Whether it’s in an unstimulating job or a lifeless relationship, feeling stuck is almost a universal human experience. But it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. The upcoming new year is an ideal time to take stock of where you are and make plans to get unstuck in your personal and professional lives.
A lot of people find themselves at a crossroads at this time of the year. Some are closing a chapter in their life, and others are starting fresh. Either way, this can feel like a fresh start and a chance to reassess goals, relationships, and priorities. For C-suite leaders, it can also provide a moment to look at how their teams are functioning, and identify any areas where change might be needed.
This is a time when many people feel overwhelmed and stressed. It’s a time when many people are also looking to rethink their career, and their next steps for job growth.
As a result, it’s easy to get stuck. The Covid-19 pandemic put forth a new kind of affective exhaustion that was akin to languishing (the state of being utterly weighed down by emotional gloom or latent anger). The combination of enforced homelessness and diminished social interaction prompted sluggishness, boredom and a sense of existential immobility.
If you’re noticing these effects, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to mentors, friends and colleagues for guidance, support and accountability, and consider joining a group or taking a course with other people. If you’re still feeling stuck, try the Pomodoro Technique: commit to working on a task for a set amount of time and see how it changes your outlook.
Robinson: When you’re feeling stuck, the first thing you need to do is name your choice points. For example, “I want to make a bigger impact at work,” or “I’m ready for a new job.” Once you have those nailed down, start planning out the path to getting there, even if it’s small. Then, as you’re moving forward, your energy will compound and the momentum will pick up.
Insight is great, but it’s important to remember that you can only be in motion or stuck at the same time. Choosing to move, even in the face of fear, is an act of courage that will open the door to tremendous progress.